View Poll Results: Q: What is your view on FlyerTalk implementing a "Helpful" button feature?
Support
433
59.72%
Oppose
275
37.93%
No opinion
17
2.34%
Voters: 725. You may not vote on this poll
Jan 12, 2015, 9:07 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost; wiki contents may be printed by using the 
(lower right wiki corner)
Some FTers are supportive of like/helpful button. Some are not. Some on both sides of the issue have questions, concerns and/or need more info. This wiki attempts to highlight them in bullet format/"cliff notes" version from the 566 posts in this thread. More detailed information regarding the pros/cons/questions/concerns/info can be garnered by reading the entire thread, where FTers on both sides of the like/helpful button have been eloquent/provided valuable input.
Pros:
* Makes Flyertalk more modern; more like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other progressive internet bulletin boards
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* Positive feedback incentivizes quality content/FTers will post more
* Some people won’t take time to write a thank you but will post a like
* Those with more likes/helpfuls are considered knowledgable
Cons:
* Makes it easier for airlines/companies to find mistake fares/glitches/underground tricks
* Makes Flyertalk more like Facebook/dumbs it down
* FT had rating system here years ago and it did not go well
* System can be gamed/cliques develop
* Clutters up posts/takes up valuable screen space
* Will not eliminate +1s/+1s also provide positive feedback
* Posts that have inaccurate info can also get likes/doesn't mean poster is knowledgable
* If FTers post info & it doesn't get likes/helpfuls, less incentive to post more
* Some who might have posted info in the past will now just post like, so less information provided to other FTers.
* Older posts will tend to have more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date. [added by MSPeconomist]
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it?
* Is there a software way to separate likes of posts from posters? (Limited trial indicates no; don't know if software can be changed to do so)
* Can a post/day count be implemented before implementing for FTers, similar Omni/CC? (Yes)
* Can certain forums have it turned off such as Omni? (No, current software is it's either all forums or none)
* If a sitewide trial is created, what are the metrics for success or failure?
* What is the goal of this/how will the data be used?
* If customization of current software is required, will this take away from development on other projects such as a better mobile app?
* Will or can there be a dislike/unhelpful button?
* What happens if a post that is "liked" gets its content edited and ends up having a different meaning than it initially had at the time the post was "liked"?
* Can threads or individual posts deemed helpful be bookmarked/saved?
* Can users "opt out" and select to remove all trace of the system, as is currently possible with the ignore list and removing view of signatures?
(lower right wiki corner)Some FTers are supportive of like/helpful button. Some are not. Some on both sides of the issue have questions, concerns and/or need more info. This wiki attempts to highlight them in bullet format/"cliff notes" version from the 566 posts in this thread. More detailed information regarding the pros/cons/questions/concerns/info can be garnered by reading the entire thread, where FTers on both sides of the like/helpful button have been eloquent/provided valuable input.
Pros:
* Makes Flyertalk more modern; more like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other progressive internet bulletin boards
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* Positive feedback incentivizes quality content/FTers will post more
* Some people won’t take time to write a thank you but will post a like
* Those with more likes/helpfuls are considered knowledgable
Cons:
* Makes it easier for airlines/companies to find mistake fares/glitches/underground tricks
* Makes Flyertalk more like Facebook/dumbs it down
* FT had rating system here years ago and it did not go well
* System can be gamed/cliques develop
* Clutters up posts/takes up valuable screen space
* Will not eliminate +1s/+1s also provide positive feedback
* Posts that have inaccurate info can also get likes/doesn't mean poster is knowledgable
* If FTers post info & it doesn't get likes/helpfuls, less incentive to post more
* Some who might have posted info in the past will now just post like, so less information provided to other FTers.
* Older posts will tend to have more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date. [added by MSPeconomist]
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it?
* Is there a software way to separate likes of posts from posters? (Limited trial indicates no; don't know if software can be changed to do so)
* Can a post/day count be implemented before implementing for FTers, similar Omni/CC? (Yes)
* Can certain forums have it turned off such as Omni? (No, current software is it's either all forums or none)
* If a sitewide trial is created, what are the metrics for success or failure?
* What is the goal of this/how will the data be used?
* If customization of current software is required, will this take away from development on other projects such as a better mobile app?
* Will or can there be a dislike/unhelpful button?
* What happens if a post that is "liked" gets its content edited and ends up having a different meaning than it initially had at the time the post was "liked"?
* Can threads or individual posts deemed helpful be bookmarked/saved?
* Can users "opt out" and select to remove all trace of the system, as is currently possible with the ignore list and removing view of signatures?
"Like" Button?
Dec 22, 2014, 4:45 pm
#331
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: CLT
Programs: FT Member #8119 F & J Free Agent
Posts: 6,550
Speaking of human nature on FT, I have no doubt that this tool will turn out to be very "helpful" for exacerbating the challenges that already take place on FT, as between the following types of groups: company apologists vs non-apologists; DHS/TSA apologists vs non-DHS apologists; other Party A vs Party B.
Dec 22, 2014, 5:02 pm
#332
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
I would vote for members to not have a counter, at least not a publicly visible one which could be drilled down to individual posts, but my understanding is that change is a hack rather than something canned, so some non-standard coding is required. I base that on interactions at vB.org because I was trying to sell our site owner on doing away with the counters!
Dec 22, 2014, 6:06 pm
#333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Dec 23, 2014, 6:26 am
#334
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
1. Thousands? We could have tens of thousands.
2. A few percent of people will bother to post a "Thanks." A much, much higher proportion will click a simple "Helpful" button.
3. Who likes to put energy into a vacuum? If no one ever responded to your posts, would you really put forth a lot of effort to make them? If so, you're a better person than I am.
2. An assumption. I've seen many threads that people posts Thanks, add additional information, or post +1. Will some use like if it's implemented. Sure. However, many won't & will still post thanks, +1, etc.
3. I post information on FT to be helpful - not because I expect a "reward" for doing so.
Reminds me of being at a conference once. Speaker gave a great presentation. Friend of mine said to the speaker thanks so much for the info; it's really helpful. Speaker says you're welcome. Friend says later he was a bit put off by the response. Me, why? Him, well he didn't say thank you. Me, so you wanted to be thanked for your thanks? That's what this reminds me of.
Cheers.
Dec 23, 2014, 6:40 am
#335
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
1. We already have tens of thousands. I didn't want to be accused of hyperbole, so I simply said thousands. You seem to think that by implementing a like feature that this is suddenly going to mean thousands more will post. I think you over-exaggerate the power of like. It's basically intended to be a replacement for +1, etc, from what has been posted in this thread & supposedly will decrease the +1s. The +1s will still happen.
2. An assumption. I've seen many threads that people posts Thanks, add additional information, or post +1. Will some use like if it's implemented. Sure. However, many won't & will still post thanks, +1, etc.
3. I post information on FT to be helpful - not because I expect a "reward" for doing so.
Reminds me of being at a conference once. Speaker gave a great presentation. Friend of mine said to the speaker thanks so much for the info; it's really helpful. Speaker says you're welcome. Friend says later he was a bit put off by the response. Me, why? Him, well he didn't say thank you. Me, so you wanted to be thanked for your thanks? That's what this reminds me of.
Cheers.
Agree.
Anyone who wants to run up a bunch of fawning 'likes' go and start a Facebook account. It is all there. FT is about travel and points. Facebook is not.
Plenty of folks hare have made 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 posts etc over a decade or more, as they are happy to add to the FT Community.
They need no "like" or "helpful" button or $10 Pizza Hut coupon etc for adding to the data base here, and never have.
This "feature" was trialled years ago. A bunch of jackasses abused it horribly, and Randy needed to bang a lot of heads very hard, threatened lifetime suspensions, and he canned the entire mess.
Many of those same folks are still on FT and it is the view of many it will be abused again if initiated. Those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. @:-)@:-)@:-)@:-)
.
Last edited by ozstamps; Dec 23, 2014 at 6:50 am
Dec 23, 2014, 6:48 am
#336
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Seniors Bus Pass
Posts: 5,529
I don't like the idea of "like", but see that the idea has now morphed into being "helpful".
I thought that the really helpful stuff was already noted by the community by being added to the relevant wiki for the forum. Why would we need more? Just because some other social media does it?
This site is, in the main, about exchanging useful information and not discussing what the breakfast menu consisted of (except when in flight
) and other such vapid ephemera.
I vote no!!
I thought that the really helpful stuff was already noted by the community by being added to the relevant wiki for the forum. Why would we need more? Just because some other social media does it?
This site is, in the main, about exchanging useful information and not discussing what the breakfast menu consisted of (except when in flight
) and other such vapid ephemera. I vote no!!
Dec 23, 2014, 7:32 am
#337
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
As I posted elsewhere we already have our own Facebook rip-off "Friends Thingo", have had it for YEARS, and it has been an abject failure I'd say.
FT has what 300,000 members = exactly how MANY have used it ever? That is a relevant question I assume no-one as ever asked IB! It it were even 2% I'd be amazed.
Let that guide Talkboard if in fact they think this "button" is not already a done deal, which it sadly does seem to me has occurred, the more I read. It has been "trialled" in recent weeks by mods and TB members and goodness knows who else bothered to use it as it was added to many profiles.
We already have a "Friends" thingy in each FT profile, that I turned off on Day #1 that it was announced many years back.
Again those who want FT to be Mini Facebook for some odd reason, can use that function if they wish. It seems to me few use that anyway, so that is a relevant pointer to this discussion.
FT has what 300,000 members = exactly how MANY have used it ever? That is a relevant question I assume no-one as ever asked IB! It it were even 2% I'd be amazed.
Let that guide Talkboard if in fact they think this "button" is not already a done deal, which it sadly does seem to me has occurred, the more I read. It has been "trialled" in recent weeks by mods and TB members and goodness knows who else bothered to use it as it was added to many profiles.
We already have a "Friends" thingy in each FT profile, that I turned off on Day #1 that it was announced many years back.
Again those who want FT to be Mini Facebook for some odd reason, can use that function if they wish. It seems to me few use that anyway, so that is a relevant pointer to this discussion.
Last edited by ozstamps; Dec 23, 2014 at 7:53 am
Dec 23, 2014, 8:17 am
#338
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 56,449
Dec 23, 2014, 11:45 am
#339
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Reminds me of being at a conference once. Speaker gave a great presentation. Friend of mine said to the speaker thanks so much for the info; it's really helpful. Speaker says you're welcome. Friend says later he was a bit put off by the response. Me, why? Him, well he didn't say thank you. Me, so you wanted to be thanked for your thanks? That's what this reminds me of.
Dec 23, 2014, 12:13 pm
#340
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Dec 23, 2014, 1:04 pm
#341
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Cheers.
Dec 23, 2014, 2:25 pm
#342
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
Dec 23, 2014, 4:59 pm
#343
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
The proposal was about whether or not to trial something like this? A trial of sort of this has already taken place this month prior to it even being voted on by TalkBoard. I wouldn't be surprised if another trial re-starts in some way or another.
Dec 23, 2014, 5:14 pm
#344
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
With perhaps one or two exceptions, I never used the “like” button feature on Milepoint; and I do not intend to use it if implemented on FlyerTalk.
I also do not subscribe to Facebook.
That will not cloud how I vote if a vote should come to pass, as I am reading the opinions of fellow FlyerTalk members; but as of now, the poll and the opinions are not overwhelmingly supportive of such a feature — although the gap has been narrowing...
Dec 23, 2014, 6:28 pm
#345
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Unless you plan on accusing her of starting another trial without the TalkBoard's involvement, I do not understand the relevance of your post to this thread.